What is CBD Cannabis? Cannabidiol (CBD) is a compound in cannabis that has medical effects but does not make people feel “stoned”. In fact, CBD counteracts the psychoactive effects of THC. That’s why marijuana that contains both THC and CBD has a different effect than pure THC. CBD has been shown to help with depression,… Read more
What is CBD Cannabis?
Cannabidiol (CBD) is a compound in cannabis that has medical effects but does not make people feel “stoned”. In fact, CBD counteracts the psychoactive effects of THC. That’s why marijuana that contains both THC and CBD has a different effect than pure THC.
CBD has been shown to help with depression, anxiety, and pain. Some studies have also shown that it can reduce seizures in people with severe forms of epilepsy. It may also help with some forms of cancer and other serious diseases.
Unfortunately, there are still some major misconceptions about cannabis – even in 2018. But what is CBD cannabis? Let’s break down the basics:
What is CBD? Cannabidiol
Cannabidiol (CBD) is one of many active cannabinoids in the marijuana plant. The human body contains two other well-known cannabinoids: tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabinol (CBN). Both THC and CBN have been studied for their potential medical benefits, but researchers say CBD is being studied now because it’s much more abundant in the cannabis plant than THC or CBN.
What does CBD do? Cannabidiol Benefits
The effects of CBD oil depend on how much you take and how you use it. Research shows that some of its effects can last for up to eight hours. But there’s no guarantee that taking more will make those effects last longer or stronger.
- Some of the potential benefits include:
- Pain relief and reduced inflammation
- Reduced anxiety
- Improved sleep
- Increased energy
- Reduced convulsions and tremors linked to epilepsy
- Reduced nausea and vomiting during chemotherapy
To date, there have been few clinical trials that have investigated the effects of CBD oil on brain health. However, a 2017 study published in Neuropharmacology found that chronic CBD treatment significantly improved the moods of people with social anxiety disorder (SAD). Researchers found that after three weeks of treatment with 8mg of CBD per day, participants reported significantly reduced anxiety and increased positive emotions and behavior . [ 6 ] . A 2018 study published in Neuropsychopharmacology found that 8mg/d cannabidiol led to a significant reduction in cognitive impairment among individuals with MS . [ 7 ] . Additionally, a 2015 animal study found that repeated administration of cannabidiol (CBD) effectively reduced chronic inflammatory and neuropathic pain without causing evident sedation . [ 8 ] In this study, researchers noted that the effective dose of CBD extract was low enough to be used safely and daily as a supplement. Research shows that CBD may be valuable in preventing blood-brain barrier permeability, which could be useful for people who have had concussions or strokes . [ 9 ] . It also may have potential as an antiepileptic agent . [ 10 ] . In addition, some research has found that CBD may block some of the undesirable effects of THC on memory function . [ 11 ] Studies suggest that this compound may have potential as a treatment for drug abuse disorders , such as addiction or withdrawal . [ 12 ] . It also appears to be useful for treating schizophrenia . [ 13 ] . CBD may also help reduce inflammation and nausea . [ 14 ] . Some studies show that it may block a particular type of receptor in the brain that can lead to drug dependence . [ 15 ] Other research shows that it might help treat muscle control problems associated with multiple sclerosis . [ 16 ] Cannabidiol was found to alter brain activity , suggesting a potential role for the compound in treating psychosis or schizophrenia .
Cannabidiol is currently being tested for its potential ability to slow down brain aging , which could make it an option for treating Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia . [ 18 ] Several studies have found strong evidence that using marijuana causes risky changes in the size and shape of two key brain areas related to motivation and decision-making : the hippocampus and amygdala . Animal studies have shown that chronic exposure to marijuana smoke leads to abnormal changes in brain structure , loss of memory, deficits in learning and attention , and poor communication between brain cells.
Research suggests that using marijuana starting at a young age significantly increases the risk of developing psychosis , compared to using it only as an adult .
Some studies suggest that taking cannabidiol daily for 4 weeks improves sleep quality in people with obstructive sleep apnea . [ 20 ] Other research found that 8mg/d cannabidiol does not improve sleep quality in people with multiple sclerosis or people who have BRAIN During sleep deprivation , [ 21 ] Other possible side effects include: dry mouth , fatigue , sleepiness , decreased appetite , diarrhea , changes in perception , being alert , loss of balance control , and convulsions . Some research shows that taking high doses daily for up to 4 weeks does not cause clear side effects . However, side effects can depend on things like each person’s health history , drug interactions , number of doses per day, etc.
Keep in mind that supplements have not been tested by the FDA , so it’s important to try to figure out what works best for you on your own time with self-experimentation. Certain people may experience side effects from taking cannabidiol or any other compound derived from cannabis. This compound is known for interacting with cytochrome P450 enzymes , which are responsible for metabolizing many different types of drugs from the body . This interaction could cause cannabidiol to either raise or lower blood levels of certain drugs
It’s important to note that while some people use cannabidiol as an isolated cannabinoid, others have found stronger relief by using full-spectrum ‘whole plant’ extracts that include terpenes and other compounds present in the cannabis plant. These whole plant extracts are sometimes called ‘full spectrum’ extracts or ‘ broad spectrum’ extracts; terms which generally refer to cannabinoids present in these extracts other than just cannabidiol (CBD) alone.
It’s also important to note that some people report feeling better when they stop using full spectrum extracts entirely – suggesting that some constituents present in whole plant extracts might
Where to buy CBD online in Canada?
CBD is available across Canada although you want to be careful and be sure to purchase from a trusted supplier such as Chronic Store who has been around for 8+ years with a great reputation for best price and quality for vapes, and tinctures.
Read less